Protests have greeted the election of the traditional ruler of Ndiowu community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chibuzor Okekeife, on January 12, 2026.

On Monday, the anti-monarch group, predominantly women, stormed the Government House in Awka, calling on Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s intervention to forestall breakdown of law and order.

While one group rejected the election, describing it as unconstitutional with the exclusion of women, the pro-monarch protesters insisted that the election must stand, having been approved by the government.

The people also protested women exclusion from the election and use of secret ballot voting, ‘’which contravenes our town’s constitution.’’

They called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to intervene, to forestall breakdown of law and order.

The protesters, predominantly women, bore placards with inscriptions such as: “The stool of Ezediohamma Ndiowu is not for sale”, “Respect our right to choose”, ‘’We say no to imposed election”, “Women must vote”, “Soludo Solution come and help us in our Eze Stool”, among others.

Speaking to reporters, Chairman, Ndiowu Four Traditional Quarters, Chief Uchenna Iloh, sought transparent and credible poll, saying the candidacy must come from Ufere village, as stipulated by the 2024 constitution of the community.

He said the community would not accept emergence of a United States of America-based businessman, ‘’who is from Umudiabor kindred.’’

Iloh said: “We’re here to protest injustice done to us, including discrimination against women in the community by the commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, as well as the local government chairman.

“We’re peace loving people and don’t want violence. We want women to have the right to vote, as they have always voted.

“The commissioner insisted the election be conducted on January 12, as against the Easter period we chose, to enable more people participate in the exercise.

“They went ahead to conduct the election on a church premises, instead of the town hall and without the women. The next thing we heard was that a new Igwe had emerged.

“This is why we’re here to plead for governor’s intervention. We want the election conducted according to our constitution.”

Responding on behalf of the governor, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, hailed the protesters for their peaceful and orderly conduct, assuring them that their grievances would be attended to.

He said: “I implore you to ensure there is no breakdown of order in the community. The problem will definitely be resolved and Ndiowu will continue to exist.”

But in a sharp reaction, Chairman, Elders Council of Ndiowu Town and Leader, Ndiowu Progressives, Christian Nnabuihe, who spoke on behalf of the pro-monarch group, described Monday’s protesters as terribly misinformed, misadvised and misguided.

He also described the constitution they paraded as fake, insisting that the 1990 constitution approved by government and Aguata High Court remained the authentic document guiding the community.

Addressing reporters yesterday, Nnabuihe said the constitution not only declared that certain persons should no longer take part in election due to their dirty conduct, but was also clear about women participation in such election.

He said: “We’re here to appreciate the governor for restoring peace to our town and creating a conducive atmosphere for the conduct of free, fair credible election that produced our monarch.

“Ndiowu 1990 constitution is clear about all the issues those who came yesterday raised. I stand to be corrected, there’s no community in Anambra State where women are permitted to take part in selection of a traditional ruler.

“Apart from the monarch being the custodian of people’s culture, it’s an abomination to involve women in an election that produces a traditional ruler. It has never happened anywhere.

“Those people who were here yesterday (Monday) were terribly misinformed, misadvised and misguided. And the constitution they paraded was fake.

“A lot of them are regretting their journey yesterday. Their presence was nullity as far as majority of Ndiowu is concerned.’’

Also speaking, Woman President General of the town, Oby Okoli, said: “As women, we desire peace and progress for us, our children and children’s children in Ndiowu.’’

Responding separately to both protesters, Secretary to State government, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Dr Nwabufor Nwankwo, commended them for their peaceful and orderly conduct.

They assured speedy response to the issues raised. (The Nation)